The Thomas Jefferson Hall Library and Learning Center is the first new academic facility built in the heart of the historic U.S. Military Academy (USMA) campus at West Point, New York, in more than 35 years. Designed on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), STV served as architect-of-record and engineer for this state-of-the-art academic hub that expands the Academy’s instructional and research capabilities. The six-story granite and glass facility blends 21st-century technology with West Point’s hallmark Military Gothic architectural character, creating a vibrant environment for cadets and faculty.
What challenges did STV address?
USMA needed a modern academic facility that could support evolving educational demands while respecting the historic integrity of the West Point campus. The project required careful assessment of site constraints – including view corridors, access routes, flood risk, complex campus utilities, AT/FP requirements and construction logistics – within one of the most security‑sensitive contexts in the nation.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV partnered closely with design architects Holzman Pfeiffer to realize USMA’s vision. The team led a comprehensive site selection study evaluating nearly 20 potential locations and provided full architectural and engineering services through all phases. STV integrated advanced learning technologies, flexible study environments, modern classrooms, and more than 900 cadet workstations, while ensuring compliance with stringent Anti‑Terrorism/Force Protection standards. Sustainable design strategies contributed to the building’s SPiRiT bronze rating.
How does this project benefit the USMA campus and community?
Jefferson Hall elevates the academic experience for generations of cadets, serving as a centralized hub for research, collaboration and digital learning. The facility strengthens USMA’s mission to educate and develop leaders of character by creating an environment that supports diverse learning styles, expands access to academic resources, and reinforces campus cohesion and resilience.
Key Stats and Accolades
- 141,000 sf academic facility
- 900+ learning and study spaces
- 1M+ volume library collection
- SPiRiT Bronze (U.S. Army sustainable rating)
- Engineering Excellence Award, ACEC New York
